Senior Accounts Payable Administrator - Ō2NL Project

Downer; Wellington; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure services provider seeks a Senior Accounts Payable Administrator in Wellington, New Zealand. In this full-time role, you will lead the accounts payable function, ensuring timely payments and compliance while mentoring staff. Candidates should have a Diploma in Accounting and proven experience in financial administration. A supportive work environment with progression opportunities and employee benefits awaits you.

Benefits

Free access to health care benefits

Discounted holiday homes

Gym memberships discounts

$500 bonus for referrals

Progression and development programs

Qualifications

• Proven experience in accounts payable and financial administration.
• Detail-oriented and proactive with strong analytical abilities.
• Clear, confident communicator with strong written and verbal skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely payments and maintain supplier data integrity.
• Manage supplier accounts and oversee invoice processing.
• Identify risks and drive continuous improvement for compliance.

Skills

Accounts payable expertise

Strong communication skills

Data accuracy

Proficiency in MS Excel

Leadership abilities

Education

Diploma or higher in Accounting or Business Admin

Tools

Workbench

Sun

Kofax

Job description

At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.

Are you an experienced accounts payable professional ready to take the next step in your career? Downer's Infrastructure Delivery team is seeking a Senior Accounts Payable Administrator to join us on the Ō2NL Southern Alliance. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a leadership role where you will take ownership of our accounts payable function and ensure smooth, accurate, and compliant financial operations.

About Ō2NL:

The Ōtaki to north of Levin (Ō2NL) highway will dramatically improve safety, resilience and efficiency, as well as increasing transport choices for the area's growing population. The Ō2NL project is led in Partnership with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, local hapū of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga and council partner Horowhenua District Council.

This transformative project is being delivered using a two-alliance approach, with each alliance delivering a section of the road and associated works. Together alliance partners are working to create a positive legacy for the region, led by our project principles to tread lightly with the whenua and create an enduring legacy. We are seeking excellent people for this unique opportunity to work and collaborate with leading industry organisations.

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

In this role, you'll ensure timely payments, maintain supplier data integrity, and drive continuous improvement across both project and head office teams. You will mentor and support accounts payable staff while fostering strong partnerships with suppliers and internal stakeholders. By collaborating closely with the wider finance teams, you'll help ensure alignment and integration of financial practices throughout the project.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead accounts payable as the subject matter expert, ensuring consistent process application and timely invoice approvals.
• Manage supplier accounts, approving setups and maintaining data accuracy for smooth financial operations.
• Oversee invoice processing, resolving discrepancies, reconciling statements, and ensuring correct allocations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams, driving clear communication and collaboration.
• Identify risks and drive continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with financial controls and audit standards.
• Champion health, safety, and wellbeing by promoting a positive, inclusive, and respectful team culture.

This full-time, fixed-term contract is for two years, with the possibility of extension. This is an office-based role based in Ōtaki with a temporary location in Levin until December while our permanent office is under construction.

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills

• Diploma or higher in Accounting, Business Admin, or related field preferred.
• Proven experience in accounts payable and financial administration using systems like Workbench, Sun, Kofax or equivalent.
• Strong skills in MS Excel, Word, Outlook, and payment processing systems.
• Excellent numeracy, data accuracy, and ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Clear, confident communicator with strong written and verbal skills.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and self-motivated with strong analytical abilities.
• Professional, approachable team player committed to continuous improvement and high standards.
• Full Class 1 Drivers Licence with ability to travel to project sites if required.

Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here

Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful. We offer:

• Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes
• All the tools of trade you need to do your job
• Discounts for Samsung, PB Tech, Gym memberships and more!
• $500 bonus for current employees who refer a friend to Downer
• Progression and development programs on offer including our inspiring leader's programme for top performers

We are committed to a safe working environment for everyone - all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment drug test, medical and a Ministry of Justice check prior to starting employment. If you need support with this requirement, please talk to our team.

Downer is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates.